Lantern Swinger

first part is true. Whilst at sea you qualify for Longer Separation Allowance, hence the name. Whilst qualified and in a SP(SM) billet you will receive submarine pay. SM pay is also on a scale based on qualification and time served whilst qualified, the JSP should explain all. In addition to that, whilst assigned to a seagoing boat you qualify for the Â£5 a day additional SP(SM) Supplement. This was brought in to redress the balance between the lads in ships receiving unpleasant living allowance whilst alongside in base port, whilst the submariners were paying for new shiny SLA accommodation, which for some people meant that the skimmers were doing only slightly worse than the deeps.

Badgeman

True, no need to pay accommodation anymore, saving approx hundred pounds per month. Also, as the original poster says, its not too good to be true, submarines are not everyones cup of tea, therefore extra dosh!

War Hero

Fcuks me, long way from 1966, when it was 7 SHILLINGS a day (35p in monopoly money - the same as they were getting in WWII), no seperation pay, no seagoing allowance - and we were happy to do it ! Then it went up to 9 bob a day (45p). All of a sudden about 73/74, it rose to Â£1.04 a day - I got considerable abuse from my civvy neighbours for asking if they'd read the "Evening Herald" headlines that day - "Submariner marries commoner". Still deserve and earn every penny they get, bless 'em.

War Hero

you get SM Specialist pay when fully SM qualified starting at (i think) nearly Â£12 a day
When serving on board a boat you get a supplement SM pay of Â£5 a day
When at sea you get an additions LSA...god knows what the starting rate is..maybe another Â£7 a day

lads who live in Drake or neptune will not have to pay accomodation charges (drake is NOT pay as you dine though)

Subsistance is back...not too sure the specifics but it is back

as for the bonus...again it has all changed a few years ago..you are entitled to a 5 year bonus and then an 8 year bonus...abnout Â£3k each..OR you can NOT take the bonus at the 5 year mark...wait till the 8 year point and get a bonus of Â£15k

also, on completetion of your qualification you are entitled to claim a golden hello bonus...Â£5k.....but a 4 year return of service